Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Three: Your Promise

Although a single Bright Crystal Beast can pull cargo weighing several tons or even tens of tons due to its massive strength, to prevent any accidents, the giant caravans like the one carrying Vilyric and the others are typically pulled by three or more adult Bright Crystal Beasts.

After all, war is no child’s play. Even if such a vehicle can’t be directly dragged onto the battlefield, there’s no guarantee that there won’t be demon-types or other unidentified enemies launching surprise attacks along the way. Thus, safety and stability are of utmost importance.

By the way, even though the main force of the entire Expeditionary Army consists of only sixty thousand Temple Knights, when accounting for logistics, various non-registered personnel like Vilyric’s group and attendants to the Saintess, the total number actually nears two hundred thousand.

The vast majority will not accompany the fastest sixty thousand cavalry but will instead follow the Expeditionary Army at a relatively slow pace to build a supply line to several key cities in the eastern Saint Country, including the City of Angels, continuously transporting and providing ample support from the rear.

It seems Yuna never intended to rely heavily on the Church for substantial support, instead preparing to build a supply line directly from Mingguang City in the West to sustain the immense consumption of the expedition.

However, such an undertaking cannot be casually arranged overnight or on a whim. The Summerfield Family has likely been secretly preparing for this holy war for quite a long time.

Thus, the previous large shipment of iron ore, magic crystals, and other goods sent to Mingguang City by the White Dove Merchant Association, along with many merchant convoys not just from their family, and the partnership already established with the well-funded Lingyin Merchant Association can all be thoroughly explained.

At least one thing is certain — the outbreak of the holy war was well within the expectations of the Saintess of Bright Light.

While pondering the various key pieces of information I’ve gathered so far, and sorting through the connections, the White Fox Girl moved closer to the pink-haired loli, who looked like a curious baby, constantly glancing around the caravan’s interior, appearing slightly anxious as she was about to leave the city she had never stepped out of since childhood.

I raised my hand and instinctively ruffled her wonderfully soft long hair.

“Little Eudora, are you still worried?”

“Um… Little Fox Sister…”

I have to say, the succubus race inherently exudes an attraction far beyond the ordinary. In the case of an adult like Chloé, it could be called charm, but for a child like Eudora, who hasn’t fully matured yet, it’s closer to being adorably endearing.

Though Eudora probably wasn’t actively releasing this aura, even the slightest hint naturally diffusing from her was enough to make her cuter and more delicate compared to other girls her age, leaving you with an urge to cuddle her tightly and treat her kindly.

Of course, such juvenile abilities have no effect on true powerhouses; in fact, they would only add unnecessary danger and trouble for the little one.

Considering all of this, for whatever reason, Vilyric could never leave Eudora, who was already a succubus, in Mingguang City.

That identity is far too taboo in the Holy Empire. Once discovered, even Yuna, the Saintess of Bright Light, might not be able to protect her, let alone… the former would have absolutely no reason to protect a demon.

As for this Saintess, Vilyric couldn’t really say she trusted her wholeheartedly.

Though she seems amicable most of the time, Priestess Vilyric can sense that Yuna Summerfield is very steadfast and pure on matters of faith, to the point that it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call her a fanatic in a certain sense.

But this “fury” doesn’t just mean being crazy.

Such individuals can easily perform extreme acts that ordinary people would not accept in specific circumstances, so Eudora’s identity is definitely something that must not be revealed to her.

I can only keep her by my side for now.

“You seem a bit unhappy. Is it because you’re reluctant to leave this city, or is it because of that bad guy who never takes care of you?”

After all, Eudora is just a child a little over ten years old. Although she’s relatively mature and doesn’t usually trouble the adults, beneath her curiosity and excitement for new experiences lies a subtle worry that can’t escape the notice of a certain White Fox.

Not only Vilyric, but even aside from a certain unconcerned Little Dragon Daughter, Leila and Renée on one side, and even Tilysha on the other, they all faintly sensed this. However, since it was Vilyric herself who decided to take Eudora away, they didn’t dare casually comment or comfort the little one on this matter.

The little girl pouted and instinctively turned her head away.

“No… Eudora isn’t sad, um… well, maybe just a little bit. Although Uncle Jeddler always ignores me, he did take care of me for several years. If it were just Eudora by herself, I would’ve probably starved to death long ago…”

“Other neighbors, uncles and aunties, brothers and sisters have all been good to me… The orphans, little Ka and little Bruri often come out to see me and bring me food…”

Eudora looked up, and in her clear, bright lavender eyes, a hint of visible sorrow flashed.

“Little Fox Sister, will I never see them again?”

“Um! Wh-what do you mean! Eudora, actually…”

The blue-haired girl most fond of this little loli, seeing her reaction, immediately panicked and tried to say something, but the White Fox Girl merely raised her left hand to silence her.

Even without hearing what Tilysha wanted to say, Vilyric could guess — it was probably vague, deceptive reassurances like “we’re just leaving temporarily, and will definitely come back” or “there will surely be opportunities to see each other again.”

It’s like how some children’s relatives use phrases like “Grandpa and Grandma just went to the sky, and it will take a long, long time for them to come back” to protect the innocent spirit of children, which can’t withstand damage or the harshness of reality after losing loved ones.

However, Vilyric believes that Eudora doesn’t need such sweetened, false words.

She is a child abandoned by the gods. Though she has been in this world for barely over a decade, she has already suffered greatly and seen far too much pain and parting. Even if she still appears innocent and naive, her wish to repay those who help her through hard work shows that she completely understands reality, rather than just wanting to live in a fragile dream of childhood.

To deceive such a child with sugary lies is truly the harm.

“At least for now, that’s the case. Eudora, you should know that you are now considered a being referred to as a demon. You understand this is a negative label, but perhaps you still don’t quite grasp what such a title represents in this country?”

After a moment’s reflection, the girl uttered words that carried a degree of cruelty.

“This means that anyone who comes into contact or gets close to you will be implicated immediately if your identity is exposed, and deemed as heretics colluding with demons. At the very least, they would be expelled from the country. There’s a greater chance of them being purified — meaning… killed. Of course, you would certainly be the first among them, do you understand?”

“Completing your demonization is a decision I have made. If you wish to complain about it, you can say…”

Before the White Fox could finish her sentence, Eudora’s innocent face suddenly revealed shock.

“B-but Little Fox Sister, if that’s the case… doesn’t that mean everyone is in danger?! What will you all do if you get found out?!”

“…Alright, don’t be so anxious, let me finish.”

I applied a bit of pressure with my fingertips, keeping Eudora, who wanted to immediately rise, in her seat.

Seeing how the little one was worried about everyone else first rather than herself, without a hint of anger or resentment, even Vilyric’s usually indifferent heart felt a touch of warmth at her pure goodness, as if she were a rough-cut gem.

Some things, some statements, perhaps it’s best not to say too much or be too explicit.

“It’s true that anyone who is in the Holy Empire with you will face danger, that’s not a lie. But… that does not include us who are currently in this caravan.”

The White Fox Girl gently ruffled the little girl’s somewhat anxious head, her lips curling into a confident, gentle voice.

“Though we might not be able to return to Mingguang City, Little Fox Sister promises you that we will definitely find a new home where you can live safely and happily, so Little Eudora, you don’t need to be afraid anymore, worry about being abandoned or hurt ~”

   

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